Louis Cyr

Louis Cyr
Cyr c. 1890s
Born
Cyprien - Noé Cyr

(1863-10-10)October 10, 1863
DiedNovember 10, 1912(1912-11-10) (aged 49)
Other namesCanadian Samson
PredecessorEmiliana Cyr, Helene Perron, Alyssa and Loriane
Sports career
Height1.74 m (5 ft 8+12 in)
Weight127–154 kg (280–340 lb)
Parents
  • Pierre Cyr (father)
  • Philomène Berger Cyr (mother)
SportStrongman

Louis Cyr (French pronunciation: [lwi siʁ]; born Cyprien-Noé Cyr; October 10, 1863 – November 10, 1912) was a French Canadian strongman. In his career spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries he performed feats of strength such as lifting 500 pounds (227 kg) with one finger and backlifting 4,337 pounds (1,967 kg), which inspired former International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation chairman Ben Weider to declare in 2000 that Cyr is the strongest man ever.

Since his strength was so far above and beyond the ordinary during his time, he and his contemporary Louis 'Apollon' Uni were collectively called the 'Kings of Strength'.